42-Day Notice Now Mandatory for Strikes and Lockouts in Industries

MP Assembly Approves Labor Law Reforms Requiring Prior Notice for Industrial Strikes and Lockouts

On July 31, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the "MP Labor Laws (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2025", which introduces key changes to labor regulations. As per the amendments made to Section 22 of the Industrial Disputes Act, it is now mandatory to give a 42-day (six-week) notice before initiating a strike in any factory or industrial establishment.

Similarly, factory owners or employers are also required to give a six-week prior notice to the workers before enforcing a lockout. Additionally, if any dispute between the employer and workers is pending before a Conciliation Officer, no strike or lockout can occur until seven days after the conclusion of those proceedings.

The state government stated that this reform has been introduced to maintain industrial harmony and ensure balanced protection of both industry and labor interests in Madhya Pradesh.